Power supply device

Abstract

A power supply device (10) supplies power from a power supply unit (2) to a plurality of loads (3). A power supply device (10) is provided with a plurality of conductive paths (11) connected to a plurality of loads (3), a connection unit (first connection unit (12)), a circuit unit (13), and a control unit (16). The connection part connects the ends of the conductive paths (11) on the power supply unit (2) side to each other. The circuit unit (13) has a switch (31). The control unit (16) controls the switch (31). The circuit unit (13) is provided between the connection unit and the power supply unit (2) and is connected to the connection unit. The control unit (16) sets a duty ratio, which is the ratio of the on-time to the switching period, and adjusts the current supplied to the connection unit by controlling the duty ratio of the switch (31) at the set duty ratio. Furthermore, one or more circuit parts (13) are provided, and the number of the circuit parts (13) is smaller than that of the conductive paths (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a power supply system for supplying power from a power supply to a plurality of loads. The power supply system includes a fuse having one end electrically connected to the power supply and a plurality of semiconductor switches electrically connected between the other end of the fuse and the plurality of loads, respectively. The power supply system performs PWM control on the plurality of semiconductor switches to supply power to the plurality of loads.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-41509 Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] In the technology of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to increase the number of switches as the number of loads increases.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for easily reducing the number of switches in a structure for supplying electric power to a plurality of loads.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The power supply device of the present disclosure supplies power to a plurality of loads from a power supply unit, and the power supply device includes:

[0010] A plurality of conductive circuits connected to a plurality of the loads;

[0011] A connecting portion that connects the ends of the conductive paths on the power supply side to each other;

[0012] A circuit unit having a switch; and

[0013] A control unit controls the switch.

[0014] The circuit unit is disposed between the connection unit and the power supply unit and is connected to the connection unit.

[0015] The control unit sets a ratio of the on-time to the switching period, i.e., a duty cycle, and controls the switch with the set duty cycle to adjust the current supplied to the connection unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the circuit portion is provided in at least one piece and the number thereof is smaller than that of the conductive circuit.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] The technology disclosed in the present invention can easily achieve a reduction in the number of switches in a structure for supplying electric power to a plurality of loads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle including the power supply device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and illustrated.

[0021] [1] A power supply device supplies power from a power supply unit to a plurality of loads, the power supply device comprising:

[0022] A plurality of conductive circuits connected to a plurality of the loads;

[0023] A connecting portion that connects the ends of the conductive paths on the power supply side to each other;

[0024] A circuit unit having a switch; and

[0025] A control unit controls the switch.

[0026] The circuit unit is disposed between the connection unit and the power supply unit and is connected to the connection unit.

[0027] The control unit sets a ratio of the on-time to the switching period, i.e., a duty cycle, and controls the switch with the set duty cycle to adjust the current supplied to the connection unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the circuit portion is provided in at least one piece and the number thereof is smaller than that of the conductive circuit.

[0029] The power supply device can adjust the current supplied to the connection part through the circuit part and supply it to multiple loads. In addition, the number of circuit parts is less than the number of conductive paths connected to each load, so the number of switches included in the circuit part can also be less than the number of conductive paths. Therefore, the power supply device can easily reduce the number of switches in the structure of supplying power to multiple loads.

[0030] [2] The power supply device according to [1], wherein:

[0031] The control unit selects and sets one of the multiple duty ratios.

[0032] The above-mentioned power supply device can set the duty ratio in stages.

[0033] [3] The power supply device according to [2], wherein:

[0034] The number of duty cycle stages is the same as the number of the above-mentioned conductive paths.

[0035] The above-mentioned power supply device can set the duty ratio in the same number of stages as the number of loads.

[0036] [4] The power supply device according to [3], wherein:

[0037] The duty ratio of the first stage is adjusted so that a current of a reference value flows through the connection portion.

[0038] The duty ratio of the Nth stage after the second stage is a value adjusted so that a current N times the reference value flows through the connection portion.

[0039] The above-mentioned power supply device can increase the total current value supplied to the plurality of loads in proportion to the duty cycle stage.

[0040] [5] The power supply device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein:

[0041] The above-mentioned circuit part is provided with a plurality of

[0042] The control unit performs duty ratio control to synchronize on and off periods of the switches included in the circuit units.

[0043] The above-mentioned power supply device synchronizes the on and off periods of the switches, thereby making it easy to suppress current concentration in a part of the circuit portion.

[0044] [6] The power supply device according to [5], wherein:

[0045] The power supply device includes: a detection unit, the detection unit detecting a voltage value of one of the plurality of circuit units or a current value flowing through one of the plurality of circuit units,

[0046] The control unit determines whether or not an overcurrent state occurs based on the detection value of the detection unit, and switches all of the switches to an OFF state when it is determined that the overcurrent state occurs.

[0047] In the above-mentioned power supply device, the detection unit for determining the overcurrent state only needs to be provided in any one of the plurality of circuit units, so the number of detection units can be easily reduced.

[0048] [7] The power supply device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein:

[0049] The power supply device is a power supply device for a vehicle, and the control unit sets the duty ratio based on at least one of an external temperature of the vehicle and a switching operation of the operation unit.

[0050] The above-mentioned power supply device can set the duty ratio in accordance with at least one of the outside temperature of the vehicle and the switching operation of the operation unit.

[0051] [8] The power supply device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein:

[0052] The plurality of switches mentioned above are all of the same model.

[0053] The above-mentioned power supply device can easily make the switch performance of each circuit unit uniform.

[0054] [9] The power supply device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein:

[0055] The plurality of loads is one of a heater, a motor, a lamp, and an ECU.

[0056] The above-mentioned power supply device is capable of adjusting the current supplied to a plurality of loads of the same type.

[0057] <First Embodiment>

[0058] exist Figure 1 2 shows a vehicle 1 including a power supply device 10 . The vehicle 1 includes a power supply unit 2 and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) loads 3 . The vehicle 1 supplies power from the power supply unit 2 to the plurality of loads 3 via the power supply device 10 .

[0059] The power source unit 2 is, for example, a storage battery. The storage battery is, for example, a lead storage battery, a lithium ion storage battery, or the like.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the plurality of loads 3 are all heaters. The heater is configured to include a PTC thermistor, for example. In addition, the load 3 may be a component other than a heater, for example, a motor, a lamp, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), etc. The plurality of loads 3 may be integrated devices or non-integrated devices.

[0061] The power supply device 10 is provided between the power supply unit 2 and the plurality of loads 3. The power supply device 10 supplies power from the power supply unit 2 to the plurality of loads 3. The power supply device 10 includes a plurality of conductive paths 11, a first connection unit 12, a circuit unit 13, a second connection unit 14, a detection unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0062] The plurality of conductive paths 11 are connected to the plurality of loads 3. The number of conductive paths 11 is the same as the number of loads 3 (three in the present embodiment). Each conductive path 11 is connected to a different load 3. The plurality of conductive paths 11 are provided between the power supply unit and the plurality of loads 3. The plurality of conductive paths 11 are provided in parallel with each other. An output-side terminal 20 is provided at an end of the conductive path 11 on the side opposite to the power supply unit 2. The load 3 is connected to the output-side terminal 20.

[0063] The first connection portion 12 is an example of a “connection portion”. The first connection portion 12 connects the ends of the respective conductive paths 11 on the power supply unit 2 side. The respective conductive paths 11 are short-circuited to each other via the first connection portion 12. The respective loads 3 are short-circuited to the first connection portion 12 by being connected to the conductive paths 11.

[0064] The circuit section 13 is provided between the first connection section 12 and the power supply section 2. The circuit section 13 is connected to the first connection section 12. The circuit section 13 has a power path 30 and a switch 31. The power path 30 is provided between the first connection section 12 and the power supply section 2. The power path 30 is connected to the first connection section 12. The switch 31 is provided in the power path 30. When the switch 31 is in the on state, the current based on the power supply section 2 is supplied to the first connection section 12 via the switch 31. When the switch 31 is in the off state, the flow of the current to the first connection section 12 via the switch 31 is cut off. In the present embodiment, the switch 31 is a structure including a semiconductor switch. In the present embodiment, the semiconductor switch is a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The structure including the semiconductor switch is composed of only the semiconductor switch in the present embodiment, but it can also be a structure integrating a protection circuit and the like (for example, an IPD (Intelligent Power Device: energy power device).

[0065] There is one or more circuit units 13, and the number is less than the conductive circuit 11. In the present embodiment, the number of circuit units 13 is two. A plurality of circuit units 13 are arranged in parallel between the power supply unit 2 and the first connection unit 12. Each circuit unit 13 (more specifically, the power circuit 30) is connected to the first connection unit 12 and short-circuited to each other via the first connection unit 12. The second connection unit 14 connects the ends of the plurality of circuit units 13 (more specifically, the power circuit 30) on the power supply unit 2 side to each other. When the switch 31 is in the on state, the current based on the power supply unit 2 flows into the circuit unit 13 (more specifically, the power circuit 30) via the second connection unit 14 and is supplied to the first connection unit 12. As a result, the current based on the power supply unit 2 is supplied to the plurality of loads 3 via the first connection unit 12. All the plurality of switches 31 are of the same model.

[0066] The circuit unit 13 includes circuit units 13A and 13B. The circuit unit 13A includes a power path 30A and a switch 31A. The circuit unit 13B includes a power path 30B and a switch 31B.

[0067] The detector 15 is, for example, a known voltage detection circuit. The detector 15 detects the voltage value of the circuit portion 13A. More specifically, the detector 15 detects the voltage on the first connection portion 12 side of the switch 31A in the power path 30A. The detector 15 outputs a signal that can identify the detected value.

[0068] The control unit 16 is, for example, a control circuit such as an integrated circuit. The control unit 16 controls the switch 31. The control unit 16 sets the ratio of the on-time to the switching period, i.e., the duty cycle. The control unit 16 performs duty cycle control on the switch 31 at the set duty cycle to adjust the current supplied to the first connection unit 12. In the present embodiment, the duty cycle control is PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, but it may also be a periodically varying duty cycle control (e.g., PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control).

[0069] The control unit 16 selects and sets a duty ratio of one of the multiple duty ratios. The number of duty ratio levels is the same as the number of the conductive circuits 11 and the number of the loads 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of duty ratio levels is three.

[0070] The duty ratio of the first stage is a value adjusted so that a current of the reference value flows through the first connection portion 12. The duty ratio of the Nth stage after the second stage is a value adjusted so that a current N times the reference value flows through the first connection portion 12. For example, when the reference value is 24A, the duty ratio of the first stage is a value adjusted so that a current of 24A flows through the first connection portion 12. The duty ratio of the second stage is a value adjusted so that a current twice as large as 24A (a current of 48A) flows through the first connection portion 12. The duty ratio of the third stage is a value adjusted so that a current three times as large as 24A (a current of 72A) flows through the first connection portion 12. "A current N times as large as the reference value" includes not only a current strictly N times as large as the reference value, but also a current substantially N times as large as the reference value. "A current substantially N times as large as the reference value" is "a current greater than (N-0.1) times as large as the reference value and less than (N+0.1) times as large as the reference value". For example, “a current substantially twice the reference value” means “a current greater than or equal to 1.9 times the reference value and less than or equal to 2.1 times the reference value.” N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The duty ratio is a value greater than 0% and less than or equal to 100%.

[0071] The control unit 16 performs duty control in synchronization with the on-off period of each switch 31 of each circuit unit 13. The power supply device 10 has a common line 33 and a plurality of branch lines 34. Each branch line 34 branches from the common line 33 and is connected to the input part (gate) of each switch 31. The signal applied to the common line 33 is applied to the input part (gate) of each switch 31 via each branch line 34. The control unit 16 performs duty control in synchronization with the on-off period of each switch 31 of each circuit unit 13 by applying a control signal to the common line 33.

[0072] The control unit 16 determines whether it is an overcurrent state based on the detection value of the detection unit 15. The control unit 16 makes a determination based on, for example, the detection value of the detection unit 15 and a threshold value. More specifically, when the switch 31A is in the on state, the control unit 16 determines that it is an overcurrent state when the detection value of the detection unit 15 is below the threshold value. When the switch 31A is in the on state, the control unit 16 determines that it is not an overcurrent state when the detection value of the detection unit 15 is not below the threshold value. When the control unit 16 determines that it is an overcurrent state, it switches all switches 31 to an off state.

[0073] The control unit 16 sets the duty cycle based on at least one of the external temperature of the vehicle 1 and the switching operation performed by the operating unit 41 provided in the vehicle 1. The control unit 16 can obtain the external temperature of the vehicle 1 based on the signal output by the temperature detection unit 40 provided in the vehicle 1. The temperature detection unit 40 is, for example, a well-known temperature sensor. The external temperature of the vehicle 1 is detected, and a signal capable of determining the detection value is output. The control unit 16 can directly obtain the signal output from the temperature detection unit 40, or obtain it via other devices. The operating unit 41 is, for example, an operating component for adjusting the temperature of the heater (load 3). The set duty cycle is switched by switching the position of the operating component.

[0074] For example, the control unit 16 sets a higher duty ratio when the outside temperature of the vehicle 1 is low. As a result, when the outside temperature of the vehicle 1 is low, the current supplied to the load 3 increases, and the temperature of the heater (load 3) increases. In addition, the control unit 16 sets a lower duty ratio when the outside temperature of the vehicle 1 is high. As a result, when the outside temperature of the vehicle 1 is high, the current supplied to the load 3 decreases, and the temperature of the heater (load 3) decreases.

[0075] For example, when the control unit 16 instructs to increase the temperature of the heater by the switching operation, the control unit 16 sets a higher duty ratio. As a result, the current supplied to the load 3 increases, and the temperature of the heater (load 3) increases. In addition, when the control unit 16 instructs to reduce the temperature of the heater by the switching operation, the control unit 16 sets a lower duty ratio. As a result, the current supplied to the load 3 decreases, and the temperature of the heater (load 3) decreases.

[0076] The following description relates to the operation of the power supply device 10 .

[0077] The control unit 16 sets the duty ratio when the start condition is satisfied. The start condition may be that the start switch of the vehicle 1 is switched to the on state, or that the user performs a start operation, or other conditions. The control unit 16 sets the duty ratio based on, for example, the external temperature of the vehicle 1 or the position of the operating member when the start condition is satisfied. In addition, the control unit 16 performs duty ratio control on the switch 31 at the set duty ratio. The control unit 16 performs duty ratio control on all switches 31 so that the on and off periods of the switches 31 are synchronized.

[0078] The control unit 16 determines whether or not an overcurrent state is present during the duty cycle control. If the control unit 16 determines that an overcurrent state is present, the duty cycle control is stopped and all switches 31 are switched to an OFF state.

[0079] In addition, the control unit 16 determines whether the termination condition is met during the duty cycle control. The termination condition may be that the start switch of the vehicle 1 is switched to the off state, or that the user performs a termination operation, or other conditions. When the termination condition is met, the control unit 16 terminates the duty cycle control and switches all switches 31 to the off state.

[0080] The following description relates to the effects of the power supply device 10 .

[0081] The power supply device 10 can adjust the current supplied to the first connection portion 12 through the circuit portion 13 and supply it to the plurality of loads 3. Furthermore, the number of circuit portions 13 is less than the number of conductive paths 11 connected to the respective loads 3, so the number of switches 31 included in the circuit portion 13 can also be less than the number of conductive paths 11. Therefore, the power supply device 10 can easily achieve a reduced number of switches 31 in a structure in which power is supplied to the plurality of loads 3.

[0082] The power supply device 10 can set the duty ratio in stages. The power supply device 10 can set the duty ratio in the same number of stages as the number of loads 3. The power supply device 10 can increase the total current value supplied to the plurality of loads 3 in proportion to the duty ratio stage.

[0083] The power supply device 10 synchronizes the on and off timings of the switches 31 , and thus it is easy to suppress current concentration on a part of the circuit portion 13 .

[0084] In the power supply device 10 , the detection unit 15 for determining the overcurrent state only needs to be provided in the circuit unit 13A among the plurality of circuit units 13 , so that the number of the detection units 15 can be easily reduced.

[0085] The power supply device 10 can set the duty ratio so as to reflect at least one of the outside temperature of the vehicle 1 and the switching operation of the operation unit 41 .

[0086] The power supply device 10 can easily make the performance of the switches 31 of the respective circuit units 13 uniform.

[0087] The power supply device 10 can adjust the current supplied to a plurality of loads 3 of the same type.

[0088] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0089] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings. For example, the features of the embodiments described above or later can be combined in all ways within the scope of non-contradiction. In addition, any feature of the embodiments described above or later can be omitted if it is not explicitly stated as a necessary feature. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can also be changed as follows.

[0090] The number of duty cycle stages can be different from the number of conducting circuits and the number of loads.

[0091] The on and off periods of the switches may not be synchronized.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the detection unit detects the voltage value of the circuit unit, but it may also detect the current flowing through the circuit unit. In this case, the detection unit may also be a known current sensor, for example. The control unit may also determine that the overcurrent state is in the case where the detection value (the current value flowing through the circuit unit) exceeds the threshold current.

[0093] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0094] Description of Reference Numerals

[0095] 1…Vehicle

[0096] 2…Power supply

[0097] 3…Load

[0098] 10…Power supply device

[0099] 11…Conductive circuit

[0100] 12…First connection part (connection part)

[0101] 13…Circuit Department

[0102] 13A…Circuit

[0103] 13B…Circuit Department

[0104] 14…Second connection part

[0105] 15…Detection Department

[0106] 16…Control Unit

[0107] 20…Output terminal

[0108] 30…Electric Power Road

[0109] 30A...Power circuit

[0110] 30B…Electric Power Road

[0111] 31…Switch

[0112] 31A...Switch

[0113] 31B…Switch

[0114] 33…Common line

[0115] 34…Branch line

[0116] 40…Temperature detection unit

[0117] 41…Operation department.

Claims

1. A power supply device that supplies power from a power supply unit to a plurality of loads, the power supply device comprising: A plurality of conductive circuits connected to a plurality of the loads; a connecting portion for connecting the ends of the respective conductive paths on the side of the power supply portion to each other; A circuit unit having a switch; and a control unit, controlling the switch, The circuit unit is disposed between the connection unit and the power supply unit and is connected to the connection unit. The control unit sets a ratio of the on-time to the switching period, i.e., a duty ratio, and controls the switch with the set duty ratio to adjust the current supplied to the connection unit. Furthermore, the circuit portion has at least one and the number thereof is less than the number of the conductive circuits.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit selects and sets a certain duty ratio among a plurality of duty ratios.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The number of duty cycle stages is the same as the number of the conducting circuits.

4. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The duty ratio of the first stage is a value adjusted so that a current of a reference value flows through the connection portion. The duty ratio of the Nth stage after the second stage is a value adjusted so that a current N times the reference value flows through the connection portion.

5. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The circuit section is provided with a plurality of The control unit performs duty ratio control in synchronization with on and off periods of the switches included in the circuit units.

6. The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The power supply device includes: a detection unit that detects a voltage value of one circuit unit among the plurality of circuit units or a current value flowing through one circuit unit among the plurality of circuit units, The control unit determines whether or not an overcurrent state occurs based on the detection value of the detection unit, and switches all of the switches to an OFF state if it is determined that the overcurrent state occurs.

7. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The power supply device is a power supply device for a vehicle, and the control unit sets the duty ratio based on at least one of an outside temperature of the vehicle and a switching operation of an operation unit.

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of switches are all of the same model.

9. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of loads may be any one of a heater, a motor, a lamp, and an ECU.

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